The ICC President has said in clear terms that banned Pakistan batsman Salim Malik would not be allowed to play international cricket unless he is cleared by the court.

ICC President Ehsan Mani has said in clear terms that banned Pakistan batsman Salim Malik would not be allowed to play international cricket unless he is cleared by the court.

"The decision to impose the ban on Malik was taken by the Pakistan court, therefore the ICC is not in a position to allow him to play international cricket," Mani said.

Malik, who recently sought permission to play in the veterans tournament against India, was slapped a life-ban by a court on allegations pertaining to match fixing. His appeal against the ban is still pending.

"How can we overrule the decision of a court and that is why we cannot grant him permission to resume cricket activities," Mani told reporters.

However, he added that in case the court ruling went in favour of the batsman, then the ICC would not have any objection to Malik resuming his cricketing career.

The ICC President was speaking after meeting Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Shaharyar Khan with whom he discussed the new future tours programme as well as the joint World Cup bid by Asia.